Paul Carlyon, 51, was on a two-week getaway with wife Tina, 50, when the seagull struck

It happened at Paignton beachfront in Devon.

Teaching assistant Tina, of Loughton, Essex, said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. There we were enjoying our lunch on some deck chairs overlooking the sea, and the next minute this bird appeared out of nowhere.

“At first it tried to come in between us and I felt it’s wing on my arm.

“Then when Paul wouldn’t give him his food it became really aggressive.